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Saturday May 24 2025

May 24, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

The quaint tradition of Canada Post strikes now holds little consequence for most Canadians, highlighting a need for adaptation in a digital age.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 24 2025

Also Published in the Toronto Star.

A Canadian Tradition Losing Its Stamp

In a nation synonymous with iconic symbols like the Mounties, the Rockies, and maple syrup, the spectacle of a Canada Post strike feels like another quintessentially Canadian tradition. Yet, in a rapidly evolving world, the impact of such strikes has become a curious mix of nostalgia and irrelevance, affecting only a select few—businesses clinging to traditional mailing systems, seniors, and those in remote regions.

News: Canada Post presents new offer to union, including 13 per cent wage hike and weekend delivery

Canada Post’s holiday strike highlights the absurdity of outdated labor tactics in a world where private alternatives thrive, pushing Canadians to move on permanently from a once-vital service.

December 13, 2024

Canada Post, once a pillar of Canadian communication, now struggles to find its footing in a digital age. The recent labor disputes and potential strikes highlight not just the financial chaos within the organization, but also a disconnect between its administration, workers, and the broader economic realities faced by Canadians. The Crown corporation’s financial woes are well-documented, with billions in losses and an increasing reliance on government bailouts. Meanwhile, private couriers have seized a significant portion of the market, thriving on efficiency and adaptability—qualities that Canada Post seems to lack.

For most Canadians, a postal strike today evokes little more than a shrug. The reality is that many have already adapted to a world where communication is instantaneous and transactions are digital. The memory of last year’s strike, which disrupted holiday plans, is still fresh, but rather than generating public sympathy, it served as a catalyst for many to explore alternative solutions. The public’s patience with these disruptions is wearing thin, and the notion of a strike as a bargaining tool appears increasingly futile.

The stakes are undoubtedly higher for those who rely on traditional mail services—businesses that depend on Canada Post for survival, elderly citizens accustomed to paper bills, and remote communities without reliable internet access. For them, the postal service remains a lifeline. However, their numbers are dwindling, and their voices are becoming a faint echo in a digital world.

Opinion: Canada Post workers could strike again. If they do, the public will see red

November 21, 2018 – Postal Strike Christmas

As the administrators, workers, and union leaders of Canada Post stand at this crossroads, they must confront an uncomfortable truth. The economic challenges faced by all Canadians—rising inflation, interest rate hikes, supply chain disruptions—demand adaptation and innovation. Ignoring these realities risks pushing Canada Post further into obsolescence, much like the Hudson’s Bay Company, which struggled to modernize in time.

A strike that once held the nation’s attention may now barely register as background noise to a public that has moved on. The quaintness of a postal strike, once a formidable force, has become a relic of the past. Canada Post’s survival hinges on its ability to embrace change, lest it fades into irrelevance, another chapter in Canadian history met with little more than nostalgic indifference.


Postal Strikes, Cryptocurrency, and the Modern Economy: A Tale of Two Worlds

Throughout my years of drawing cartoons, I’ve seen the familiar uproar whenever Canada Post goes on strike. These strikes often split Canadians into two camps: those supporting the union and those upset about late cheques and undelivered cards. The strikes have become as Canadian as hockey or the maple leaf, yet even Canada Post seems to be fading into history.

Thursday December 4, 1997 – Looking back from 28 years later, the 1997 postal workers’ protest against back-to-work legislation, with threats of free mail and delivery errors, seems like a quaint reminder of when snail mail drama was a headline grabber, before the days of inbox overload and instant messaging. Keen observers of my Young Doug Ford series will note Doug Ford Sr. always depicted from his arm chair reading his favourite tabloid, The Toronto Sun, often blazing a headline grousing over the latest Postie labour issue. 

Despite financial challenges, Canada Post survives because the government considers it essential. With Canada’s vast distances and many people still depending on traditional mail, the postal service still has a role. But for many, it seems like a costly service, mostly delivering ads and junk mail.

In my 28 years in the media industry, I’ve watched the digital age change everything. Media often gets labelled as “fake news” and faces criticism for needing government help, but my work remains independent, and our real support comes from loyal subscribers.

At The Hamilton Spectator, my salary is similar to a postal worker’s. Despite not having had a raise in years, we stay passionate about our work. Many of us find extra jobs to cope with rising costs, and benefits have been reduced. Recently, 200 Canada Revenue Service workers lost their jobs but got good severance packages—something most media workers can’t count on.

I’m not complaining, just pointing out a reality many in unstable jobs face. Whether it’s traditional media, car manufacturing, or anything at risk of being replaced by technology, or tariffs, the future is uncertain. The postal service is under the spotlight now, but we must remember these are real people with real challenges. Many of us worry as we see plans that seem to burden the middle class while promising tax cuts for the wealthy.

November 30, 2016

Wednesday November 30, 2016 – The CBC asked for an extra $400 million to ditch ads, and my snarky cartoon pointed out the irony of print media cheering for a broadcaster that was happily munching on their lunch.

It’s interesting that those who complain the most about media subsidies also oppose carbon taxes, ignoring the big government handouts to the oil industry. This criticism misses the wider picture of government aid.

Wednesday April 3, 2024 –  Justin Trudeau’s government faced criticism for its climate policies, especially as it continued to subsidize fossil fuel industries while professing a commitment to climate action, revealing a significant inconsistency in its approach.

Canada opts for Australia's JORN radar system over Trump's "Golden Dome," focusing on independent defensc strategy amid strained U.S. relations.

May 22 2025

Meanwhile, the world of cryptocurrency is booming with quick profits, driven by fast-talking tech-savvy people. The Trump administration’s recent party for $Trump coin seems like another spectacle for us to watch, showing how the wealthy play with profits without adding much value to society. In a world where meaningful work often goes unnoticed, this is quite the contrast.

As we stagger in these uncertain times, it’s important to understand the bigger picture. Whether it’s the struggles of traditional industries or the rise of new, speculative ones, recognizing these dynamics can help us appreciate those who truly contribute to society.

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2025-10, adaptation, beaver, Canada, canadian tire, canadiana, cn tower, competition, courier, digital, Financial, hudson’s bay company, innovation, obsolescence, penny, postal, public, red ensign, relevance, rural, sandy mctire, seniors, Sir John A. MacDonald, strike, tradition

Friday May 22, 2015

May 21, 2015 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator - Friday May 22, 2015 NDP says they would bring back door-to-door mail delivery in Hamilton The federal NDP will reinstate door-to-door delivery and get rid of super mailboxes on the Mountain if the party forms government after the upcoming election. Hamilton MPs David Christopherson and Wayne Marston made the announcement at city hall this morning, lauding council for being "at the forefront" of the effort to save traditional mail delivery through its court battle with Canada Post. "If we have to change the legislation, we'll do it," Christopherson said of the plan to reverse Canada Post's multi-year plan to replace door-to-door delivery with super mailboxes across Canada. He acknowledged there would be cost to removing thousands of recently installed super mailboxes - including several hundred alone on the Mountain. But he said those costs, as yet not calculated, have to be "weighed against the cost to the (postal) service." He argued Canadians are better served by door-to-door mail delivery and added at a minimum, residents "deserve to be consulted" about the future of the service. The city will face off against Canada Post in court sometime next week over the legality of a bylaw that seeks to regulate where super mailboxes are installed in the municipal right-of-way. (Source: Hamilton Spectator) http://www.thespec.com/news-story/5637988-ndp-says-they-would-bring-back-door-to-door-mail-delivery-in-hamilton/ Canada, Thomas Mulcair, NDP, mail, postal, delivery, snail, election, promise, service, communication

Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 22, 2015

NDP says they would bring back door-to-door mail delivery in Hamilton

The federal NDP will reinstate door-to-door delivery and get rid of super mailboxes on the Mountain if the party forms government after the upcoming election.

Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator - Saturday April 25, 2015 Canada Post strikes back in mailbox battle Canada Post has asked the courts to strike down Hamilton's mailbox installation bylaw the day after eight charges were laid under the new rules. Canada Post spokesperson Jon Hamilton said the legal counter-move came after the agency received a city order to stop ongoing installation of the controversial community mailboxes based on the recently passed bylaw. He said he wasn't aware of any charges under the bylaw, but added a hearing to consider Canada Post's application is scheduled for April 28. City spokesperson Mike Kirkopoulos said Friday eight charges related to three unidentified mailbox locations were sworn late Thursday Ð six against Canada Post and two against a subcontractor, SNC Lavalin. He couldn't immediately comment on what the latest court filing means to the city. "We regret that court action is necessary É but we're at a point where we need to continue to move forward," said Hamilton, noting, the agency has been in contact with the city since last June over the planned installations. The legal battle started when the city enacted a new bylaw earlier this month that requires the Crown corporation to apply for a $200 permit for each of an estimated 4,000 community mailboxes meant to replace door-to-door mail delivery in Hamilton. Council followed up on Wednesday by asking its lawyers to file a court application to "restrain" ongoing installation by Canada Post. The agency's counter-move appears to have been filed first, however. Canada Post has argued from the get-go its federal mandate trumps municipal bylaws and installation of the first of 1,000 mailboxes on the Mountain began last Friday. (Source: Hamilton Spectator) http://www.thespec.com/news-story/5575336-canada-post-strikes-back-in-mailbox-battle/ Hamilton, Canada, Canada Post, mail, post, postal service, Superbox, court, legal, military, mission, bomb

Hamilton MPs David Christopherson and Wayne Marston made the announcement at city hall this morning, lauding council for being “at the forefront” of the effort to save traditional mail delivery through its court battle with Canada Post.

“If we have to change the legislation, we’ll do it,” Christopherson said of the plan to reverse Canada Post’s multi-year plan to replace door-to-door delivery with super mailboxes across Canada.

He acknowledged there would be cost to removing thousands of recently installed super mailboxes – including several hundred alone on the Mountain.

But he said those costs, as yet not calculated, have to be “weighed against the cost to the (postal) service.”

Thursday April 16, 2015He argued Canadians are better served by door-to-door mail delivery and added at a minimum, residents “deserve to be consulted” about the future of the service.

The city will face off against Canada Post in court sometime next week over the legality of a bylaw that seeks to regulate where super mailboxes are installed in the municipal right-of-way. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)


Published in Opinion 250 (Prince George BC), L’Acadie Nouvelles, Gull Lake Advance, Brandon Sun, Nanaimo Daily News, Regina LEader Post, Calgary Herald, and The Corner Brook Newspaper

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: Canada, Communication, delivery, election, Mail, NDP, postal, promise, published, service, snail, Thomas Mulcair

Saturday April 18, 2015

April 17, 2015 by Graeme MacKay

Saturday April 18, 2015Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 18, 2015

City girds for superbox battle with Canada Post

The city is willing to take Canada Post to court over its plans to unilaterally install controversial super-mailboxes across the city.

Council enacted a new bylaw Wednesday that requires the Crown corporation to apply for a $200 permit for each of an estimated 4,000 community mailboxes meant to replace door-to-door mail delivery in Hamilton.

That means city bylaw officers can now lay provincial offences charges if Canada Post ignores the new rules and begins installing the unpopular “super-mailboxes” this week on the Mountain.

The agency argued Wednesday it isn’t bound by the bylaw.

The city should charge the Crown corporation anyway in the case of a violation “and let the courts decide who is right and who is wrong,” said Coun. Terry Whitehead.

Whitehead put forward what he called an “unprecedented” municipal regulation motion.

“There ought to be some regulations that apply when Canada Post does this, because it sounds like they’re going to continue on (with mailbox installation) whether we like it or not,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “I think they ought to be a little more understanding and work with the city … to access our right-of-ways and roadways.”

Canada Post has no plans to delay the first wave of installations on the Mountain, said spokesperson Jon Hamilton, who nonetheless wouldn’t speculate how the Crown corporation will react if it is charged under a municipal bylaw.

He reiterated that Canada Post believes it continues to have the “jurisdiction” and “authority” to install mailboxes in municipal road allowances. The agency is willing to “work collaboratively” on locating the boxes, he added, but that doesn’t include following the bylaw or applying for individual permits.  (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Posted in: Hamilton Tagged: box, Canada, federal, Fred Eisenberger, government, jurisdiction, letter, Mail, municipal, permit, post, postal, service, superbox, Terry Whitehead

Wednesday June 22, 2011

June 22, 2011 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator - Wednesday June 22, 2011 Back-to-work Legislation in the making Canada Post workers are gathering in the heart of Toronto's downtown to rally against the federal government's attempt to force them to go back to work if a contract agreement can't be struck. John Cartwright, the president of Toronto and York region labour council, said he expects hundreds to gather at the rally Wednesday morning at the intersection of Yonge and Dundas streets. In addition to postal workers, workers from every sector of the economy are expected to attend the rush-hour rally at one of the busiest corners in the city. Those people, Cartwright said, are standing up for the next generation of Canadian workers who deserve the same wages and benefits his generation received. As of about 8:30 a.m., more than 100 workers had assembled at Yonge and Dundas, surrounded by loudspeakers and carrying placards emblazoned with slogans like "negotiate not legislate." The rally comes two days after the Conservative government in Ottawa tabled back-to-work legislation. Parliament spent much of the day Tuesday debating the legislation, which would force workers to go back to work should the union, CUPW, and management fail to reach a deal on a new contract. The government hopes to vote on the legislation Thursday. Canada Post locked out workers on June 14, after 12 days of rotating strikes launched by the union. The two sides met for talks on Tuesday (Source: CBC News) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/no-new-talks-set-for-canada-post-and-union-1.978939 Canada, Stephen Harper, Public service, back-to-work, legislation, majority, Ottawa, Postal, strike, fighter, jet

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 22, 2011

Back-to-work Legislation in the making

Canada Post workers are gathering in the heart of Toronto’s downtown to rally against the federal government’s attempt to force them to go back to work if a contract agreement can’t be struck.

John Cartwright, the president of Toronto and York region labour council, said he expects hundreds to gather at the rally Wednesday morning at the intersection of Yonge and Dundas streets.

In addition to postal workers, workers from every sector of the economy are expected to attend the rush-hour rally at one of the busiest corners in the city.

Those people, Cartwright said, are standing up for the next generation of Canadian workers who deserve the same wages and benefits his generation received. As of about 8:30 a.m., more than 100 workers had assembled at Yonge and Dundas, surrounded by loudspeakers and carrying placards emblazoned with slogans like “negotiate not legislate.”

The rally comes two days after the Conservative government in Ottawa tabled back-to-work legislation. Parliament spent much of the day Tuesday debating the legislation, which would force workers to go back to work should the union, CUPW, and management fail to reach a deal on a new contract.

The government hopes to vote on the legislation Thursday.

Canada Post locked out workers on June 14, after 12 days of rotating strikes launched by the union. The two sides met for talks on Tuesday (Source: CBC News)

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: back-to-work, Canada, fighter, jet, legislation, majority, Ottawa, postal, Public Service, Stephen Harper, strike

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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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